KHRC Faces Lawsuit Over Bridle Rule

A Utah man is suing the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission over its rule that prohibits bitless bridles in races.

Edward Buck, inventor of the bitless Spirit Bridle, has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court, district of Utah-Central Division, seeking damages for his claim that the KHRC is committing deceptive trade practices and interfering with his prospective economic advantage. Claiming the KHRC "willfully, knowingly, intentionally, and maliciously," did not hold any hearings regarding the rule, Buck is seeking $200,000 in damages from each commissioner and three KHRC staff members.

In the filing, Buck claims that in 2002 a staff member of the Kentucky racing regulator at that time told him the bitless bridle would be allowed in racing in the state. He said in October he became aware of a Kentucky rule that prohibits their use in racing.

KHRC legal counsel Susan Speckert is aware of the suit but has not had an opportunity to review its contents. She will not comment on the active litigation. Speckert is named in the suit.